Beginning Band (M/J Band 1)
Beginning Band (M/J Band 1)
Beginning Band is open to all students during the 1st 9 weeks of each year with parent permission. Previous musical training and music reading is of course helpful, but not necessary.
Beginning Band is open to all students during the 1st 9 weeks of each year with parent permission. Previous musical training and music reading is of course helpful, but not necessary.
Instrument Selection
Instrument Selection
Beginning Band students will have an opportunity to try out several instruments. Selection ofinstrument is based upon student interest, physical characteristics (formation of lips and teeth), rhythmic coordination (percussion instruments), and instrumentation requirements (the number of students playing each instrument must be kept within reasonable limits in order to be able to perform the music written for the modern band).
Beginning Band students will have an opportunity to try out several instruments. Selection ofinstrument is based upon student interest, physical characteristics (formation of lips and teeth), rhythmic coordination (percussion instruments), and instrumentation requirements (the number of students playing each instrument must be kept within reasonable limits in order to be able to perform the music written for the modern band).
Instrument Assembly, Proper Care, and Maintenance
Instrument Assembly, Proper Care, and Maintenance
Proper assembly and care are necessary to minimize repairs and frustration caused by an instrument malfunction.
Proper assembly and care are necessary to minimize repairs and frustration caused by an instrument malfunction.
Tone Production
Tone Production
This includes all of the elements necessary to produce a musical sound on a wind or percussion instrument. Embouchure (the way the lips and facial muscles are used and applied to the mouthpiece), use of air, and concept of correct sound for a given instrument are learned.
This includes all of the elements necessary to produce a musical sound on a wind or percussion instrument. Embouchure (the way the lips and facial muscles are used and applied to the mouthpiece), use of air, and concept of correct sound for a given instrument are learned.
Articulation
Articulation
Articulation involves the correct use of the tongue in playing an instrument. It is very similar to pronunciation in speech.
Articulation involves the correct use of the tongue in playing an instrument. It is very similar to pronunciation in speech.
Music Reading
Music Reading
After students can demonstrate basic tone production and articulation concepts, music reading is introduced. Students are introduced to notes and rhythms gradually. Students only learn notes and rhythms they can play and apply. New notes and rhythms are added as control improves. Music reading involves learning the name of the note, the sound of the note (pitch), the duration of the note (rhythm), and the fingering of the note on the instrument. It is essential that students practice daily, to avoid getting behind. Each skill builds on the last skill, so progress depends upon keeping up.
After students can demonstrate basic tone production and articulation concepts, music reading is introduced. Students are introduced to notes and rhythms gradually. Students only learn notes and rhythms they can play and apply. New notes and rhythms are added as control improves. Music reading involves learning the name of the note, the sound of the note (pitch), the duration of the note (rhythm), and the fingering of the note on the instrument. It is essential that students practice daily, to avoid getting behind. Each skill builds on the last skill, so progress depends upon keeping up.
Ear Training
Ear Training
The ability to discriminate pitch, to play in tune with others, and to hear a musical line is a skill that can and must be developed by music students. Students can learn to play in tune, understand and appreciate good tone quality, and learn to blend and balance their sound with their fellow musicians. Most students have quite good natural pitch perception; musicians develop an above average awareness of the sounds around them by learning to listen critically.
The ability to discriminate pitch, to play in tune with others, and to hear a musical line is a skill that can and must be developed by music students. Students can learn to play in tune, understand and appreciate good tone quality, and learn to blend and balance their sound with their fellow musicians. Most students have quite good natural pitch perception; musicians develop an above average awareness of the sounds around them by learning to listen critically.
Scales
Scales
Students will learn 7 major scales in Beginning Band. Students will also be able to write and label each of their scales. Almost all music is based upon scales. Knowledge of scales is essential in learning to play an instrument. Percussion students learn scales on the mallet instruments, and in addition learn rudiments - exercises that build coordination and control necessary to play percussion parts.
Students will learn 7 major scales in Beginning Band. Students will also be able to write and label each of their scales. Almost all music is based upon scales. Knowledge of scales is essential in learning to play an instrument. Percussion students learn scales on the mallet instruments, and in addition learn rudiments - exercises that build coordination and control necessary to play percussion parts.